Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

In Parkland School Division, September 30 has recently been observed as Orange Shirt Day. It is a legacy project focused on commemorating the residential school experience through witnessing and honouring the healing journey of survivors and their families and committing to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

This year, PSD's Orange Shirt Day will be observed on Friday, Sept. 27. Students and staff are invited to wear an orange shirt to commemorate the day, and some classroom activities and lessons will focus on the spirit of the day. Our Instructional Services team continues to work with schools to develop, grow and share resources for teachers to use leading up to the day, enabling school-based staff to work with students to raise awareness and educate about the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is observed annually on September 30, was created to give everyone an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, which more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend between the 1870s and 1997.

The creation of a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was a recommendation that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, released in June 2015. The day itself was officially created as a federal statutory holiday on June 3, 2021, when Bill C-5 was passed by both houses of Parliament.

For suggested activities to commemorate the day, visit Alberta's Day for Truth and Reconciliation web page or consider participating in the Truth and Reconciliation event in Stony Plain.

For a regional event or information on where to purchase orange shirts, visit: Truth and Reconciliation — Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre and Art Gallery

For more information contact:
Parkland School Division
Phone: 780-963-4010
Email: divisionoffice@psd.ca